Wonderful Christmastime

Ever wondered how international riders and their horses celebrate the festive period? Alex Robinson discovers how a few of the best do Christmas in their corners of the world

-  Alex Robinson

Patrik Kittel: 'It's nice to do nothing'

PATRIK, his wife Lyndal and their five-year-old daughter Amelia will head over to Australia to spend the festive season in Lyndal's birth country.

"We fly out on 19 December and return home on 5 January," Patrik explains. "The horses will have their vaccines over Christmastime, before taking it very easy while we're away. They have a couple of days off in the paddock, before being kept in light work by my team at home."

Prior to meeting Lyndal, Patrik would spend time in Germany, and previous to that in Sweden, where Christmas is usually celebrated on 24 December.

"In the beginning of our relationship, I would just fly out to Australia for new year celebrations," Patrik explains. "Now, we spend it as a family. Amelia absolutely loves Christmas. She is already asking when Santa is coming with the packages. She'll definitely be putting carrots on the door ready for his arrival.

"We also take some time to chill out," Patrik continues. "Many of my fellow dressage riders will be aiming for the indoor in Mechelen, but for the last few years, we have been away so it's not something that I've aimed for.

"We take the time to have a holiday for a couple of weeks and recharge our batteries ready to get back into it in the new year. It's a really lovely time; it's actually nice to do nothing sometimes.

"We're never completely off horses, though, as Lyndal's parents have horses and we help some friends while over there. Plus, I've always got my eye on results."

Before they head abroad, Patrik's team will enjoy a celebration at home.

"We always put decorations up and have a family meal," he says. "I love Christmas as it's such a happy time. I love the feeling of being together, more so than the commercial side of it.